Compassionate Kiwis are being called on to help Starship care for critically ill children

The Auckland Hospital's announced a 40-million dollar project to boost its intensive care unit by almost 50 per cent.

It will add ten extra beds, more support spaces for staff and families and a new medical day stay unit over the next few years.

The Government's contributed 25-million dollars and Starship has already raised half of the remaining 15-million dollars.

Ronald McDonald House Chief Executive Wayne Howett says he hopes people will chip in for the rest.

He says as a nation we should hold up our hand and say "yes please" to helping children needing medical attention.